Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is facing criticism after his remark that "even god can't fix Bengaluru’s traffic problems" sparked backlash from opposition leaders and citizens alike.
Speaking at a Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) event on Thursday, February 20, Shivakumar acknowledged the scale of the city's infrastructure crisis, stating, "I would like to say one thing to you and media people that within one year, two years, three years, even if God comes, nothing can be done to fix Bengaluru’s roads. We have to plan properly."
The comment drew sharp responses from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi questioning the Congress-led state government's track record since taking office. "BJP never said Bengaluru should be transformed overnight, but the state government should explain what has been done in the past 1.5 years," Joshi told ANI.
Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra accused the government of neglecting Bengaluru’s development, calling the city’s infrastructure an "absolute eyesore." In a social media post, he wrote, "Shameful that it took a whole TWO years for DK Shivakumar to finally admit what every Bangalorean already knew—that they won’t be able to fix the city’s issues for at least another three years, even if God Himself descended to help! We’ve been saying from day one that this @INCKarnataka government has utterly derailed Bengaluru’s infrastructure growth and development."
Former Minister CN Ashwath Narayan alleged that Bengaluru is suffering due to internal conflicts between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar. "Bengaluru has got the lowest priority in this Congress government. The CM and Deputy CM are fighting against each other, and because of this, Bengaluru is not getting funds," he claimed.
Economist and Aarin Capital Chairman Mohandas Pai also challenged Shivakumar’s assertion, pointing out that the city's infrastructure issues have worsened. "Minister DK Shivakumar, it has been two years since you became our Minister! We applauded and welcomed you as a strong leader. But our lives have become much worse!" Pai wrote on social media. He urged immediate action, including the procurement of 5,000 electric buses, improved pedestrian infrastructure, and round-the-clock metro construction.
Defending Shivakumar, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said the government was exploring long-term solutions. "Bengaluru was not built for such a huge population and a large number of vehicles… Our Minister in charge, DK Shivakumar, is looking at many alternatives, one of which is going underground… But these projects cannot be a short-term measure. They will take time," he said.
Despite the backlash, Shivakumar has maintained that his government is committed to resolving Bengaluru’s traffic woes. However, with citizens growing increasingly frustrated over choked roads and crumbling infrastructure, the pressure on the state government to deliver results continues to mount.